Watch for children when school buses start rolling

Another school year is set to begin this month, and the Wisconsin State Patrol is reminding drivers to be alert and avoid distractions, to keep kids safe as they travel to and from school. Traffic patterns change when school is in session, so be sure to plan ahead, and watch for pedestrians and school buses. There are more than 600 crashes involving school buses, every year, in Wisconsin. These crashes are preventable. The Wisconsin State Patrol’s August Law of the Month is school bus safety, reminding drivers and caregivers that everyone has a role, in ensuring kids get to and from school safely. School buses stop frequently and children can be unpredictable. Always pay attention when approaching a bus, especially with the stop arm extended or warning lights activated. Also, watch for kids walking, biking or waiting for the bus. The school bus loading and unloading area is the most dangerous for students. Wisconsin law requires drivers to use extra caution around school buses, when the following happens: • Flashing red lights – Stop at least 20 feet away, in both directions, from a bus, when red warning lights are flashing; the only exception, is when traveling on the other side of a divided highway • Flashing amber/yellow lights – Slow down when amber or yellow lights are flashing, signaling the bus is about to stop and red lights will soon be activated; drivers can pass a bus with amber lights activated, but should do so cautiously. • Yield to pedestrians who have a walk signal or green light, or those who are crossing a road, with no signals. • Always follow directions from school crossing guards. When passed illegally, bus drivers are authorized to report violations to law enforcement. In 2024, there were 1,276 traffic convictions, for failure to stop for a school bus. The citation for this violation costs $676.50 and four demit points. Caregivers should incorporate safety conversations into their family’s back-to-school plans. Talk with children about bus stop safety, and general walking or biking precautions. Children should follow instructions from bus drivers and crossing guards; stay at least five giant steps (at least 10 feet) away from the curb; when waiting for the bus; always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals to get on the bus; face forward after finding a seat on the bus; exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars, before crossing a street; never walk behind a bus – if a child must cross in front of a bus, tell them to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least 10 feet or five giant steps in front of the bus before crossing; make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing; never stop to pick up an item, because the driver might not see them. School buses are designed to be one of the safest vehicles on the road and drivers receive special training to safely operate a bus. State law requires all school bus drivers to have a school bus endorsement on their Wisconsin driver license, and most also need a Commercial Driver License (CDL). Some bus companies and school districts, also hold regular new driver and continuing education programs, to ensure safety rules are followed. In addition, the state patrol inspects every Wisconsin school bus, annually, to ensure the vehicles are ready to safely transport children. They conduct nearly 10,000 inspections, each year, evaluating a broad array of mechanical equipment, including steering components, brake systems, wheels, tires and structural components. Specially trained inspectors verify that all school busspecific safety components, such as emergency exits, emergency lighting, stop arms and other passenger safety items, are in place and in proper working order.